Specimen Storage Guidelines

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the proper storage of specimens?

Specimen containers may be constructed from any material. (correct)

Containers should be devoid of any biological material on the exterior.

Containers must be marked and documented to aid in identification.

The cap or stopper should create a leak-proof seal when applied.

What is the appropriate action for uncontaminated laboratory waste materials?

They should be treated as hazardous waste regardless of condition.

They can be reused, recycled, or discarded as general municipal waste. (correct)

They must be stored indefinitely in a secure location.

They must be incinerated to prevent any potential hazards.

Which method is required for contaminated sharps before disposal?

They should be placed in puncture-resistant containers with lids. (correct)

They should be soaked in bleach before disposal.

They can be discarded in regular trash if they are wrapped.

They require no specific treatment before disposal.

What happens to contaminated material designated for reuse or recycling?

They need initial decontamination followed by washing before reuse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested treatment for contaminated material that is to be disposed of?

Secure storage is required before transporting to a decontamination facility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a measuring pipette in a laboratory setting?

To accurately measure and transfer specific volumes of liquid. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Parafilm particularly useful in laboratory settings?

It is transparent, allowing observation of contents. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of a measuring pipette allows for precise volume measurements?

Graduated lines marked along its length. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured for a measuring pipette to provide reliable measurements?

It must be calibrated to specific accuracy and precision standards. Signup and view all the answers

What tool is described as being used for transferring small volumes of liquids?

Pasteur pipette Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for using a measuring pipette?

Immerse the tapered tip in liquid and create a vacuum to draw liquid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Parafilm's application in laboratories?

It can be cut to size for specific container openings. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the graduation marks on a measuring pipette?

The incremental volume measurements in milliliters or fractions thereof. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Pasteur pipettes regarding their size?

They are typically available in sizes between 1 mL to 10 mL. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an application of Parafilm in laboratory research?

Measuring liquid volumes precisely Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of elastomeric liners or O-rings in screw caps of RNase-free glass bottles?

To create a tight seal that prevents leakage or evaporation. Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method is typically NOT used for RNase-free glass bottles?

Chemical disinfection using bleach Signup and view all the answers

How is the sterility of RNase-free glass bottles verified?

With microbiological testing and validation procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature do some RNase-free glass bottles have for accurate measurement?

Graduations or volume markings on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a rocker shaker in laboratory settings?

To provide gentle agitation and mixing of biological samples. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of RNase treatment during pipetting and handling?

To prevent the degradation of RNA samples. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of borosilicate glass stirring rods makes them ideal for laboratory use?

They are resistant to most acids and organic solvents. Signup and view all the answers

Why are sterile or RNase-treated pipette tips intended for single-use only?

To prevent cross-contamination and minimize carryover. Signup and view all the answers

What type of solutions can stirring glass rods be effectively used to mix?

Corrosive and reactive solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common application of RNase-treated pipette tips?

RNA sequencing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Storing Specimens

Specimen containers must be strong, leak-proof with a proper cap, preferably plastic, and free from biological material on the exterior.
Containers should be accurately labeled and suitable for their intended storage purpose.

Decontamination and Waste Management

Uncontaminated materials can be reused, recycled, or discarded as general municipal waste.
Contaminated sharps, such as needles and broken glass, must be gathered in puncture-resistant containers and treated as infectious waste.
Contaminated materials intended for reuse or recycling require decontamination followed by washing to be treated as uncontaminated.
Contaminated materials for disposal can either be decontaminated on-site or securely stored for transport to another location for disposal.

Measuring Pipette

Designed for accurate measurement and transfer of liquids, commonly used in various laboratories for tasks like titrations and dilutions.
Graduated markings indicate volume measurements in milliliters (mL) or fractions, calibrated for precision.
Calibration certificates ensure compliance with standards like ISO or ASTM.
Liquid is drawn into the pipette by creating a vacuum and then dispensed into a receiving vessel.

Parafilm

A transparent sealing film commonly used in laboratories to seal containers and prevent evaporation.
Easy to apply and can be cut to size; reusable if handled carefully.
Used for sealing test tubes, protecting glassware, and creating barriers in various scientific applications.

Pasteur Pipette

Also known as a transfer pipette, it transfers small liquid volumes, typically ranging from 1 mL to 10 mL.
Named after Louis Pasteur, this pipette is utilized for sample transfer, dilution, and mixing across various labs.

RNase-Free Glass Bottles

Equipped with chemically resistant screw caps or stoppers; sterilized to eliminate microbial contamination that can degrade RNA samples.
Common sterilization methods include autoclaving, gamma irradiation, or ethylene oxide gas.
Available in various sizes, these bottles help ensure proper labeling for contents and concentration to maintain traceability.

Rocker Shaker

A laboratory instrument providing gentle, uniform rocking motion for mixing and incubating biological samples.

RNase Treatment

Essential for preserving RNA integrity during handling, crucial for applications like RT-PCR and RNA sequencing.
RNase-treated pipette tips are disposable, single-use tools to prevent contamination across different samples.

Stirring Glass Rod

Also termed a stirring rod, used for mixing and agitating liquids in glassware, aiding in chemical reactions and homogenizing mixtures.
Made from borosilicate glass, these rods resist most chemicals and are easy to clean and sterilize for repeated use.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential guidelines for storing specimens. This quiz covers the requirements for containers, labeling, and maintenance of specimen integrity. Ensure that you understand the necessary precautions and material specifications needed for proper specimen storage.